Ayman Al-Zawahri (file photo) (epa)
6 January 2006 -- The deputy leader of Al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahri, has called on U.S. President George W. Bush to admit defeat in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Al-Zawahri's call came in a video message broadcast today by Al-Jazeera television. In the videotape, Al-Zawahri said Bush should admit he has been defeated in Iraq and Afghanistan and that he will soon also be defeated in Palestine.

The Al-Qaeda militant, wearing a white turban and gray robe, was seated next to an automatic rifle -- a standard setup seen in previous videos.

Al-Jazeera said the videotape was dated "December," but it gave no specific date. This could not be independently verified.

(AP/Reuters/AFP)

Who Is Ayman al-Zawahri?

AYMAN AL-ZAWAHRI is regarded as Al-Qaeda's No. 2 authority. Although al-Zawahri is lesser known than Osama bin Laden, some observers say the deputy is just as powerful as the chief....(more)